SNAP increases – and changes to who qualifies – take effect Oct. 1

(NEXSTAR) – As inflation continues to drive grocery prices higher, food assistance benefits are going up, as well – but not by much.

On Oct. 1, 2024, several changes with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are kicking in, including new maximum benefit amounts.

SNAP, which used to be called the Food Stamp Program, is designed to help low-income people and families pay for groceries. Starting next month, recipients may see the amount they receive alter slightly as the maximum allotments go up by a few dollars.

As of Oct. 1, 2024, the maximum SNAP benefits in the 48 contiguous states and D.C. will be:

• Household size 1 – $292
• Household size 2 – $536
• Household size 3 – $768
• Household size 4 – $975
• Household size 5 – $1,158
• Household size 6 – $1,390
• Household size 7 – $1,536
• Household size 8 – $1,756

Each additional person would add another $220 to the monthly total. Last year's cost-of-living adjustments were more substantial, as inflation was higher. Food prices in August 2024 were about 2% higher than they were a year prior.

In Hawaii, Alaska, the Virgin Islands and Guam, where food prices are typically higher, the maximum benefit amounts are different. In Hawaii, for example, a household of four people can receive a maximum of $1,723 to help cover the cost of food.

How much you receive in SNAP benefits depends on your household's income and assets. The income threshold to qualify is lower this year than it was last year.

Another change to who qualifies for SNAP kicks in on Oct. 1. Under the Fiscal Responsibility Act, more people will be required to prove they are actively working, training or in school.

The changes only affect one group of SNAP recipients: able-bodied adults without dependents (or ABAWDs, as the agency calls them), ages 52 to 54.

ABAWDs between the ages of 18 and 52 already need to prove they are working at least 80 hours a month, pursuing an education or are in a training program to qualify for SNAP for more than three months.

Now, starting in October 2024, able-bodied childless workers who are 53 and 54 years old will also need to meet those work requirements to receive SNAP benefits.

There are some exemptions to the ABAWD work requirements, a USDA spokesperson told Nexstar. Homeless people, veterans, or youth ages 18 to 24 who aged out of foster care are all exempt from these requirements. People who cannot work due to a physical or mental limitation, are pregnant, or have a child 18 or younger living in their home are also exempt.

If you don’t meet the work requirements, you will only be eligible to receive SNAP benefits for three months in a three-year period.